Willkommen to In ze Dark. Another Complaint Department today, this time about Uber (which means “about” in German). Have you been replacing the word “super” with “uber”. We’ve been mis-sprechen sie deutsch for years. When did we start saying “uber”? And why? And now that it means a car-share service do we even like it anymore?

Stephen from Toronto calls in with his complaint that Uber drivers don’t really know what they’re doing. J’agree, Stephen. But that’s what you get when you take a discounted ride from a guy that last week was working at Best Buy. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no better taking a cab. But Uber drivers don’t want to be driving for Uber. It’s not a good job as much as it is a cheaper car service to hire. I think we could all lower our expectations. Besides, Uber could be banned here in Toronto like it is in Denmark, Hungary, Finland, South Korea, Vancouver, Austin, Portland, Italy and parts of Australia. It’s license will not be renewed in London next year. Transport for London ruled that Uber was not “fit and proper” to operate in London because of safety concerns, including its failure to report alleged sexual assaults by its drivers (Monday, Oct. 9th, 2017, Financial Times, Madhumita Murgia). In India, where it is still operating in cities despite being banned, sexual assaults are prevalent enough that Uber now comes with an SOS feature. Great, now you can text somebody you’re being molested by the man in the front seat. Maybe his mother will drop by to throw acid on your face as well. Way to go India!

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